Dover DPW Director Kevin McCabe Wins 2026 APWA Young Leader Award

Dover Department of Public Works Director Kevin McCabe won the 2026 Pakpour Consulting Group Young Leader of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association, news.jgpr.net reported.

Houston Convention Honors Dover Director

McCabe accepted the honor at the association’s Public Works Expo, which ran from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 in Houston. The national award goes to young members who demonstrate leadership, contribute to their communities, and show a commitment to professional growth. Candidates must be members in good standing for five consecutive years and not exceed 35 years of age.

According to an association statement cited by news.jgpr.net, As an engaged APWA member and municipal leader, he has quickly emerged as a trusted advocate for the profession, applying best practices, mentoring peers and delivering measurable value to his community. Town Administrator Michael Blanchard also praised the director, stating that McCabe sets a high standard for public servants.

Building a Consolidated Department in Dover

McCabe stepped into his role in 2022 as Dover’s first director of public works. Since taking the position, he has merged the town’s Administration, Highway, Water, Transfer Station, and Cemetery/Parks & Trees operations into a single department. He also serves as the community’s Tree Warden, partnering with Chickering Elementary School and the Dover Tree Preservation Committee for urban forestry programs.

His earlier public sector career includes serving as director of operations for the Town of Sudbury and has worked in the public sector since 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Fleet Upgrades and Regional Bridges

Upon arriving in Dover, McCabe established a fleet management program and set replacement standards for town vehicles to reduce repair costs. He also secured outside and federal funding for municipal projects, including the Centre Street/Central Avenue Bridge Project.

That $13 million initiative is currently underway with the neighboring Town of Needham. The design aims to improve climate resilience, public safety, and bicycle and pedestrian links between regional trail networks.

Future Operations Across Town Infrastructure

McCabe previously received the 2022 Young Leader Award from the APWA New England Chapter.